Head to head
Generac Guardian 22kW vs Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW
Generac · Home Standby Generator
Generac Guardian 22kW
~$5,999
22,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Briggs & Stratton · Home Standby Generator
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW
~$6,037
22,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Quick takeThe Generac Guardian 22kW lists about $38 lower; the Generac Guardian 22kW is quieter at 67 dB.
| Spec | Generac Guardian 22kW | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$5,999 | ~$6,037 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 22,000 W | 22,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 22,000 W | 22,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 67 dB | 68 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 22kW on LP, 19.5kW on NG | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); full 22kW on both LP and NG (NGMax) |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (7043 bundle adds 200A SE switch) | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (40783 bundle adds 200A ATS) |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 466 lbs | 465 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year limited | 7-year limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Generac Guardian 22kW
- +Enormous installed base — parts, techs, and advice everywhere
- +Carries two AC units in most homes with load shedding
- +Often discounted now that the 24kW is the flagship
- +5-year warranty with widely available extended options
- +Multi-day storm performance in owner reports
- −19.5kW on natural gas — the derate matters for NG homes
- −67 dB is noticeably loud up close; siting matters
- −Being phased out in favor of the 24kW — long-term parts pricing unknown
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW
- +No NG derate — 22kW on either fuel, unique in class
- +7-year parts, labor, and travel warranty
- +Vanguard 993cc commercial engine with strong 45kVA starting
- +Enclosure rated for 186-mph winds
- +16-second weekly quiet test barely disturbs anyone
- +Usually undercuts Generac 24kW package pricing
- −Dealer and service network is the thinnest of the majors
- −Parts availability has been slower since the KPS acquisition
- −68 dBA normal operation is mid-pack, not quiet
- −Few retailer reviews — smaller installed base to learn from
- −Transfer switch extra on this SKU